Tempe Conventions & Visitors Bureau

The crack of the bat, the small of hot dogs on the grill and the sound of cheering fans – I’m already getting excited for Cactus League Spring Training!

I’m not your usual baseball spring training fan. I love going to games every year, but I what really look forward to are all the things that come along with spring training season. Here are my top six reasons why I love spring training:

1. Getting some sunshine! What could be better than enjoying a beautiful afternoon outside in 75 to 85 degree weather? 

2. Eating ball park food! This is one of my favorite places to just pig out. When you walk into Tempe Diablo Stadium you can immediately smell hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill – it makes my mouth water!

3. Catching up with friends! Spring Training games are a fun and affordable way for a group of friends to get together and have some fun!

4. Tickets are a steal! Lawn seats at Tempe Diablo Stadium are just $10, so the whole family can afford to go!

5. See the players up close! If you are into baseball, this is the best place you’ll find to get up close and personal with your favorite players. If you’re not into baseball, you get to see a bunch of cute guys run around the field for a few hours! Not bad!

6. Great time for a trip to Tempe! This is a great time of year for people to visit sunny Arizona, and Spring Training is the perfect excuse for your next family vacation! You can squeeze in a few games in between all the other fun things to do in Tempe like hiking, shopping and going to shows and festivals!

Spring Training games are scheduled from March 2 through April 4 and tickets are on sale now! View the Cactus League Spring Training schedule to plan your trip to Tempe at www.TempeBaseball.com.

Looking to keep your New Year’s resolution to get fit, while also supporting some fabulous organizations in the process?! What a better way to do both than to participate in a 5K! There are lots of different 5K and 10K walks taking place in Tempe this winter and spring. Here is a list of a variety of fun walks going on through the end of February in Tempe. For info about walks taking place throughout the spring visit the Tempe Tourism Office’s Calendar of Events.

Run, Walk & Roll 5K/10K – January 7 – Tempe Beach Park
This event is held at Tempe Beach Park and has been created to support and raise money for Arizona Disabled Sports (AzDS). The primary mission of AzDS is to provide a wide-variety of sports and recreation opportunities for individuals with all types of disabilities.

Walk For Values USA – January 21 – Tempe Beach Park
Unlike other walks, this is not a money-raiser. Rather, you will make the world richer by giving your commitment to practice values, and character-building. You may also be motivated to serve your community through volunteer work, or by donating blood, or by visiting the elderly or feeding the needy, or just striving to be an exemplary citizen.

The Color Run 5K – January 28 – Tempe Beach Park
The Color Run is a one of a kind experience that is less about speed and more about enjoying a color crazy day with your friends and family. This event is about people of all different speeds, ages, shapes, and sizes toeing the start line. The 2012 Arizona Charity is Banner Health’s amazing Cardon Children’s Medical Center.

The Unity Walk – February 4 – Tempe Beach Park
Walk for unity in our community. Families, community organizations, scout groups, schools and faith groups are encouraged to participate. Walkers are encouraged to carry signs and banners representing their groups. No registration is required. Free t-shirt given at each assembly point. Color of t-shirt will correspond to the city you represent.

Walk the Fight – February 12 – Tempe Beach Park
Walk the Fight 5K Walk and Run raises awareness about Parkinson’s disease and raises funds for the community outreach programs at the Muhammad Ali Parkinsons Center. The Walk the Fight event includes the 5k walk and run, children’s activities, live music and a health fair.

Walk in the Wild 5K – February 18 – Phoenix Zoo
Head to the Phoenix Zoo on February 18 for the Fourth Annual Walk in the Wild where the zoo will honor the endangered Sumatran tiger. Participants receive a commemorative T-shirt, goodie bag and admission into the Zoo for the day. All proceeds benefit the non-profit Phoenix Zoo.

People Saving Pets Walk – February 19 – Tempe Beach Park
The People Saving Pets™ Walk, empowered by PetSmart Charities, is a festival to celebrate the compassion we have for pets! Your participation will raise money for local animal-welfare agencies that will help thousands of homeless pets throughout Arizona. The event includes a pet adoption event, 5K and 1-mile walks (for humans and their four-legged companions), as well as fun activities for children, adults and pets.

I am a runner and currently training for the P.F. Chang’s Rock n’ Roll Arizona Marathon taking place January 15, 2012. Although I am looking forward to this great opportunity, after training for 5 months and running over 30 miles a week, running can get a bit tedious. Even if you are not an avid runner, everyone, including myself needs a little motivation to get a good workout in for the week. Well here’s some motivation for you – the Third Thursday Adventure Fun Run at Roadrunner Sports in Tempe Marketplace! There’s no better incentive than raffles, prizes, music, and a FREE beer at the end of your run!

This FREE event, held at Tempe Marketplace and sponsored by Road Runner Sports, is offered every third Thursday of the month from October through June. It’s a fun, hour long run that involves maps, music, strategy and the opportunity to meet lots of new friends. You run a total of 60 minutes to different checkpoints throughout Tempe to earn as many tickets as you possibly can. At the finish line you throw in all your earned tickets and have the chance to win raffles of gift certificates to local businesses and up to $1,000 dollars in running gear! Celebrate your victory with a complimentary beer ticket from Deschutes Brewery. Make sure you register by noon on the day of the event to receive this deal.

Grab your friends for this great group event and make some fun out of your Thursday. If you’re not a runner, walkers are defnitely welcome, you just might not get to as many checkpoints to receive as many tickets!

Next Adventure Run: December 15^th
5 p.m.> Sign In
7 p.m.> Run as fast as you can!
8 p.m.> FREE raffle & entertainment

Road Runner Sports
Tempe Marketplace
43 S. McClintock Dr.
Tempe, AZ 85281
480-968-2022

Arizona State University versus the University of Arizona, it only happens once a year and no matter what side of the state your allegiance falls, this is the weekend when it all comes together in a head-to-head battle. SanTan Brewing Company is gathering fans of both teams for a Rivalry Ride through downtown Tempe. Riders will enjoy beer, food and a little healthy competition as this pre-game event kicks off at 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 19, 2011.

Riders will meet at Mellow Mushroom, located at 740 South Mill Ave, Suite #D100 for a bite to eat and their first pint of SanTan beer. Then, at 3:30 p.m. riders will cruise the streets of Tempe heading to the first stop at Boulders on Broadway, located at 530 West Broadway Road. After enjoying a pint of SanTan beer, the rivalry riders will continue their quest on to stop number two, Devil’s Advocate located at 955 East University Drive where friendly ASU vs. UofA banter should be fully underway. The final destination for riders is at the Tavern on Mill, located at 404 South Mill Avenue. From there, patrons can stay and enjoy more beer, food and fun or get ready to head out to the stadium for the game.

Registration for the SanTan Rivalry Ride is $20 per person and that includes a pint of SanTan brew at each stop and a pint plus food at Mellow Mushroom. Riders are encouraged to wear their favorite team colors and have a blast! Tickets are available at www.santanbrewing.com. All riders must arrive at Mellow Mushroom no later than 3 p.m., and be ready to cruise the streets of Tempe by 3:30 p.m. SanTan Brewing Company encourages all cruisers to follow bike safety laws and drink responsibly.

Open since 2007, SanTan Brewing Company has made a name for itself as Arizona’s favorite craft beer destination, operating with a commitment to advance the culture of craft beer. SanTan Brewing Company accomplishes this goal through beer production using the highest quality ingredients and methods. In addition to great beer, SanTan has gained a loyal following of craft beer enthusiasts in the Arizona area by offering delicious food, happy hour specials, live music and participating in beer festivals.

Visit SanTan Brewing Company at 8 S. San Marcos Place, Chandler, AZ. They’re open Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-midnight and Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m. – 2 a.m. Also, check out SanTan Brewing Company online at www.santanbrewing.com and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SanTanBrewingCo or follow on www.twitter.com/SanTanBrewing for more information on upcoming specials and promotions.

While walking around the Mill Avenue District this week, you may have noticed the increase of highly fit people! That’s how I know that the Ford Ironman Arizona is on the horizon! The race kicks off in Tempe on Sunday, November 20 at 7:00 a.m. and the athletes have until midnight to complete the distance.

This highly motivating and inspirational event has always amazed me. The athletes devote hours upon hours to train for this race. Competitors swim 2.4-miles, bike 112-miles and run a marathon (26.2 miles) in succession, earning the right to become an Ironman.

Want to see this incredible event for yourself?  There are plenty of opportunities to see the athletes in action along their journey. The swim course takes place in Tempe Town Lake and the Mill Avenue bridges that span the lake provide perfect views of the swim. The transitions to the bike course and marathon course are held in Tempe Beach Park. The bike course is three loops, beginning in the park and circling the Beeline Highway. The marathon course, also three loops, winds around Tempe Town Lake and into Papago Park to the north, with the finish line at the edge of Tempe Beach Park at Rio Salado Parkway and Mill Avenue.

Whether you are seeing this event for the first time or cheering on a family member or friend, it is an emotional race to behold. The finish line is especially emotional as you see the athletes cross the finish line after hours of non-stop physical endurance.

So if you’re looking to be inspired, or just amazed, be sure to head to Tempe this Sunday to see the Ford Ironman Arizona. Need help getting around on race day? View the Traffic Impact brochure for all your traffic questions on race day.

Although it may seem like school just started, it’s already time for parents and families to visit Tempe. So clean up your room and get your grades up now because your parents will be here before you know it!

Family Weekend at Arizona State University (ASU) takes place during the first weekend in October when fall has officially arrived, October 1-2. The weather will finally start to cool off a bit, which opens the door for some fun outdoor activities for you and your family to enjoy. Make this Family Weekend memorable by spending the weekend showing your family around Tempe, ensuring them that they indeed sent you to the right school. Here is a list of some unique and fun things to do with your parents that you may not get to do normally.

1. Plan to wake up early one morning and squeeze in a family hike at Papago Park to start off the day right. There’s a great trailhead located at the southwest corner of College and Curry. Your hike will have everyone feeling fresh and ready to take on the day. After, enjoy a delicious breakfast together in the Mill Avenue District. You earned it! NCounter on Mill is close by and has a mouth-watering menu that will leave everyone satisfied.
2. Spend an afternoon strolling in and out of shops around Tempe Marketplace, an outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment district. Be sure to grab lunch while you’re there too!
3. Plan a fun night out – whether you see a show at ASU Gammage, catch a movie at the IMAX theatre at Arizona Mills, laugh out loud at Tempe Improv, or have happy hour on Mill Avenue – no matter what you choose, you’ll be sure you have smiles on your faces.  
4. Saturday is game day! Show some school spirit and spend the day sporting gold t-shirts, tailgating, and watching ASU crush Oregon State!
5. Embrace the beautiful weather and head to Tempe Town Lake. Rent a paddle boat, kayak, or even attempt stand-up paddle boarding.
6. Take the opportunity to dine at a restaurant that you normally wouldn’t. Enjoy the beautiful outdoor patio at House of Tricks and savor seasonally inspired dishes, or head to Top of the Rock Restaurant at The Buttes, A Marriott Resort for world-class cuisine and breathtaking views of Tempe.

There are so many different ways to spend this Family Weekend, but which options you choose to is up to you! No matter what you decide to do, you and your family will experience a weekend full of memories and be left glowing with ASU pride. 

It’s about that time in Tempe where the weather is beckoning me outside! I want to shop, eat, walk, play and relax in the sunny Arizona climate! Here is my top 6 list of fun things to do in Tempe that are all outside:

1. Shop at Tempe Marketplace – This outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment hub is great for window shopping, listening to live music and strolling under the misters. There are several restaurants that offer outdoor dining such as California Pizza Kitchen, San Felipe’s Cantina, Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ, D’arcy McGee’s and more. I also love going to the free music concerts that take place every Friday and Saturday night at the outdoor Disctrict Stage area – loads of fun and always a seat open!

2. Stroll Through the Mill Avenue District – Funky shops, unique restaurants and located in the heart of downtown Tempe, Mill Avenue is one of my favorite spots to enjoy the Arizona weather. There’s lots to choose from for dining “al fresco.” The House of Tricks, Z’Tejas Southwest Grill, La Bocca Pizzeria  and Rula Bula are just a few of my regular spots to enjoy a delicious meal in an amazing outdoor patio atmosphere.

3. See the Animals at the Phoenix Zoo – The Phoenix Zoo is exciting every time I go. My niece and nephew love this zoo and are entertained from the moment they enter. Exhibits that I can’t miss are the Orangutans, Monkey Village and Sting Ray Bay. If you get to Sting Ray Bay at the right time you can even feed them! For the kids, my niece and nephew love Harmony Farm, Leapin Lagoon and Yakulla Caverns – they can run around and play while you can sit and relax!

4. Explore the Desert at the Desert Botanical Garden – If you ever thought the Sonoran desert was barren, think again! Discover over 5,000 different types of desert plants on display here. The Succulent Galleries and Wildflower Loop Trail are among my favorite exhibits – they take my breath away. The Garden also offers a variety of outdoor events all year long such as live music concerts and a medley of holiday events.

5. Water Fun at Tempe Town Lake – Love the water? Try out one of the many boating options on Tempe Town Lake. Stand-Up Paddleboarding is both exceptionally fun and physically challenging. The pedal boats are a great choice when you want to relax on the water a bit more. For big groups I recommend renting a pontoon boat. They fit about ten people and are a blast! When you’re done on the water you can spread out a picnic at Tempe Beach Park and soak in the sun.

6. Take a Hike at Papago Park – Papago Park offers every level of hiking and bike trails galore. Breathtaking views can be seen from “Hole in the Rock,” just a short climb up the rock. The hiking and biking trails are abundant and offer stunning views of the Sonoran desert landscape. I love that it’s located in the heart of the Valley because it makes it such a convenient spot to meet up with friends and family to enjoy a hike, walk or picnic in a lovely spot!

Celebrate with your dad this Sunday, June 19, in Tempe! Tempe has lots of great Father’s Day deals for dining, attractions and relaxation. Here’s a full list of fun things to do to with your dad on Father’s Day (and save a buck or two)!

ASU Karsten Golf Course
www.asukarsten.com
Give dad what he really wants this Father’s Day…the gift of golf!  The ASU Karsten Father’s Day Gift Pack includes:
- (2) Rounds of Golf (valid through September 25, 2011)
- PING Karsten golf shirt
- Sleeve of Titleist golf balls
- Breakfast or lunch in the Trophy Room Restaurant

All for $99 plus tax…a savings of over $50.00!

You may purchase the gift through Father’s Day, Sunday, June 19.  Contact a member of ASU Karsten’s professional team at (480) 921.8070, and they will be happy to mail or deliver your gift. 

Monti’s La Casa Vieja
www.montis.com
Join Monti’s in celebrating Father’s Day and try Chef Jimmy’s delicious special! 12 oz. Herb Encrusted Prime Rib served with garlic truffle fries & grilled pancetta wrapped asparagus topped with an aged balsamic vinaigrette $24.95

Four Peaks Brewery
www.fourpeaks.com
Four Peaks Brewery will be offering a special Father’s Day Lunch Buffet at their Tempe location – buy Dad a round of his favorite local beer!

Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill
http://tempe.ztejas.com
Z’Tejas is be celebrating “Dads & Grads” with their gift card promotion. For every $25 gift card purchase, guests will receive a $5 bonus card to use for themselves! The offer is valid until June 19^th and bonus cards may be redeemed June 20^th-July 31^st and up to two at a time can be used. 

Naranda Spa at The Buttes, A Marriott Resort
www.ButtesMarriottResort.com
The “Ultimate” Dad Spa Package – available June 1 through June 30 - $249 plus tax

NARANDE CUSTOM MASSAGE – 50 minutes
This customized service allows the therapist to create a personalized therapy just for you. Using different styles of massage and body work creates overall balance and the ultimate in relaxation.

GENTLEMEN’S FACIAL – 50 minutes
Specifically formulated for the special skin care needs of men, this deep cleansing, therapeutic and relaxing treatment leaves your skin toned and revived. Please avoid shaving altogether – if necessary, shave at least two hours prior to your treatment.

NARANDE PEDICURE – 50 minutes
With a warm paraffin treatment, mud mask and exfoliating foot treatment.
*Dad will be served a light lunch included with package.

The Center Bistro
www.thecenterbistro.com 
On Friday, June 17, The Center Bistro is offering dads a 10% discount and one $2 beer (FYI – The Center Bistro is closed on weekends).

Stratum Laser Tag Headquarters
www.stratumhq.com
This Father’s Day, June 19, enjoy “Dad plays ONE FREE GAME OF LASER TAG when you buy a multi game special or Dad gets $5 off unlimited laser tag play from 1-6 PM when you purchase an unlimited play pass.” 

Coupon is available at www.stratumhq.com/holidayhours.html. Reservations always recommended. Call 480-545-5500 for more information. 

Tempe Marketplace
www.tempemarketplace.com
Tempe Marketplace is offering a Vestar Visa Gift Card for Father’s Day - give dad the gift of whatever his heart desires! 

Arizona Mills
www.arizonamills.com
Now through Father’s Day, June 19, anyone who purchases a $100 or more American Express Gift Card at Guest Services, will receive one FREE round of golf at The Arizona Grand Golf Resort (200 of these to be given away, while supplies last).

The newest form of water adventure fun at Tempe Town Lake is stand-up paddleboarding! Today was my very first experience with this new water sport, and I have to say, it will will definitely not be my last!

When I arrived in the morning, I checked in at the kiosk on the south side of lake, where the Tempe Boat Rentals dock is located. Down on the dock is where I recieved my helpful, fun, and very instructive, paddleboarding lesson from Clint, manager of Tempe Boat Rentals.

First, you get onto the paddleboard from the dock by sliding gently from a sitting position on the edge of the dock, to a kneeling postion on the board. Once you are a good 5 to 10 feet away from the dock, you ever-so-gently balance you’re way up into a standing position. This part was the most intimidating because I don’t have the best balancing skills. But once I was up, it was smooth sailing!

After a few minutes, I really felt like I was getting the hang of it. And once I felt pretty comfortable, it got really really fun! The breeze on my face was amazing, and the surrounding views of the lake were beautiful! And on top of how much fun this sport is, it’s also an invigorating workout! It worked my core and arms the whole time, and since I was having so much fun, it never even felt like I was working out! 

After a while I had to head back to the dock, but I just couldn’t leave without trying out a hydrobike! Now that’s a relaxing way to enjoy the lake! With no training needed, I just hopped onto a hydrobike and took it out for spin! So easy, anyone could do it!

After such a fun morning out on Tempe Town Lake, I’m already excited to plan my next outing for more water adventures! Tempe Boat Rentals also offers kayaks, hydrobikes, electric skiffs, pedal boats and pontoon boats…can’t wait to try them all!

The cost to rent a stand-up paddleboard or a hydrobike is $20 for 1 hour, $30 for 2 hours, or $55 for a half day rental. For more rate information for all watercraft options, visit http://boats4rent.com/rates_tempe_boatrentals.html.

Tempe Boat Rentals
480-303-9803
72 W. Rio Salado Parkway
Tempe, AZ 85282

Papago Park

Hiking is one of my favorite things to do and it’s the perfect time of year to start off the day with an early morning trek. It’s a great way to learn about the Sonoran Desert landscape and mix with the locals too. In the Tempe/Phoenix area, there are so many choices of hiking trails that it can be hard to choose where to go. Here’s a quick guide to some of my favorite Phoenix hiking trails. Papago Park and South Mountain Park are also popular for recreational mountain biking in Tempe, AZ. Just remember, take water, wear sunscreen and go with a friend. It’s just more safe (and fun) that way!

Papago Park

• The trailhead just west of the parking lot at College and Curry is an easy hike that provides views of downtown Tempe and Tempe Town Lake from the summits. This trail is also home to Loma del Rio, a Hohokam ruin. To get to the ruin, continue along the path towards the freeway, and then veer right. Once you pass the summit of the next hill, you’ll see the ruin next to a ramada.
• There’s another popular trailhead on the west side of Papago Park. You can access it by turning west into the parking lot just across Galvin Parkway from the entrance to The Phoenix Zoo, located just north of Van Buren. Great for mountain bikers and hikers, this trail leads north towards the picturesque red butte.
• And, perhaps the most well-traveled path in Papago Park leads to Hole in the Rock, a very appropriately named butte. You can get to this trail by entering The Phoenix Zoo parking lot. Turn left once you enter the zoo and continue until you see an additional parking lot near the butte, next to the lagoon. The trail to Hole in the Rock is a quick hike, maybe 5 or 10 minutes. This is a really popular spot, especially around the time that the sun is setting, but the view from the top is just lovely.

South Mountain Park

• The trails on the east side of the country’s largest municipal park can be accessed from 48th Street, just north of Guadalupe Rd. You can also enter the Arizona Grand Resort off of Baseline and the I-10, and go south past the resort and golf course, turn right on Guadalupe and right on 48th Street. There are multiple trail options here, from flat paths to challenging climbs that are popular for hikers and bikers. One of my favorites is the National Trail to the Mormon Loop. It’s about 6 miles round trip.

A Mountain

• Perhaps one of the most accessible hikes is A Mountain (aka Hayden Butte), located in Tempe’s downtown Mill Avenue District. There are trailheads located behind Tempe Mission Palms Hotel off of Fourth Street and Mill Avenue, behind the Hayden Flour Mill at Mill Avenue and Rio Salado Parkway and behind the Tempe Transportation Center on Veterans Way and College Avenue. Like most trails in the area, this is a preserve, so just look for the trailhead signs and stay on the marked paths. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for petroglyphs that were left by from Tempe’s first settlers, the Hohokam. The last part of the hike is steep, but the view from the top is a great reward for work well done. And, when you’re finished, the restaurants and taverns along Mill Avenue are ultra-convenient.

Camelback Mountain

• This iconic landmark in Phoenix is said to look like a camel’s back (hence the name). There are two trailheads, each with its own challenges. This is not an easy climb, so come prepared – flip flops will not serve you well. The Echo Canyon trailhead is located off of McDonald Drive, just east of Tatum Boulevard. There are a few very steep climbs on this trail. It’s definitely not for a beginning hiker. Going north on 44th Street past Camelback Road, the road will curve. Stay to the right and at the light at McDonald, continue east (right) and turn right on Echo Canyon Drive. There’s a parking lot at the end of the road. During peak hours, like weekend mornings, parking is at a premium so bring your patience along with your hiking boots! Hikers are no longer allowed to queue in a line and wait for a spot.
• The Cholla trailhead is located off of Invergordon Road, just north of Chaparral Road. Parking is located along Invergordon south of Cholla Lane (in between Chaparral and Jackrabbit Road.) The trailhead can be accessed by walking west on Cholla Lane. This trail has a few more switchbacks than the Echo Canyon trail, but there are fewer spots where you’ll have to use your arms to pull yourself up the hill. Both the Cholla trail and Echo Canyon trail end at the same place – a summit with a gorgeous 360 view of the metro area.

Are there other trails that you like that I didn’t mention? Please comment below. I’d love to hear about your favorites!